FRIDAY 13
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The Abbey Pub, which for 20 years has been an Irish cultural mecca, will host a high-octane night of traditional music. The all-star session features internationally known Chicago fiddler Liz Carroll, championship accordionist James Keane from Dublin, flutist Joanie Madden and singer Cathie Ryan of the all-women group Cherish the Ladies, New York piper Jerry O’Sullivan, and guitarist Zan McLeod. It starts at 9 at the Abbey, 3420 W. Grace. Tickets are $5. Call 478-4408.
SATURDAY 14
Before Europeans came to this area about one-third of what is now Illinois was covered by hardwood forest, part of a belt that stretched all the way to the east coast. Remnants can be found scattered in suburbs like Evanston and Oak Park, where a small number of ancient trees have survived nearly two centuries of development. Oak Park’s Forestry Commission is sponsoring a Tree Walk at 2 today, starting at the corner of Forest Avenue and Elizabeth Court. Walkers will be shown the neighborhood’s oldest and largest trees and learn about how they’ve adapted to their changing environment. A docent from the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio will also be on hand to point out some of the architecturally significant houses along the way. The walk is free and will end with refreshments. Call 708-383-6400, ext. 3368 for more information.
People who have been pining for the 86ed local cable TV show This Week in Joe’s Basement can take heart; the show’s creators, Joe Winston and David Zerlin, are bringing the crew back together for an interactive, multimedia performance at the Bop Shop. Moon Blob: The Motion Picture will feature live music, comedy sketches, segments from the TV series, and video interviews in which random people on the street ponder the existence of UFOs. The show starts at 8, at 1807 W. Division. Admission is $5. Call 363-8243.
Tonight’s meeting of the Virtual Reality Special Interest Group offers curious folks and confirmed enthusiasts a report on the latest VR products and technology displayed at a recent west-coast conference. The 6:30 meeting is at Columbia College, 623 S. Wabash. Admission is $2 plus a piece of information about VR. Call 708-246-0766 for more information.
